Dan Patrick shared some insight into what the San Francisco 49ers are planning to do with the No. 3 overall pick after trading some hefty draft capital last week to move into that spot. Many analysts are projecting Alabama quarterback Mac Jones to be the pick, but others feel he could have been had with a later selection.
Would Jones have made it all the way down to No. 12, the 49ers' original spot? Maybe not. But selecting him at No. 3 is viewed by many as a massive reach.
With Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and Zach Wilson of BYU expected to be off the board by the 49ers' selection, both Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trey Lance of North Dakota State are widely seen as passers with higher ceilings compared to Jones. So, what is Patrick hearing?
"Yeah, I know Kyle Shanahan loves Mac," Patrick said while reading off what one source texted to him. "Was told personnel department is still hoping to change his mind to Trey Lance. I get that Mac fits what he does, but man, I would want a lot more with that third pick."
That makes it sound like the 49ers have not decided which quarterback to take with that top-three pick. While Shanahan may have entered this week preferring Jones, the quarterback's outing during Alabama's pro day and some convincing from team personnel could still sway the coach toward Fields or Lance. And there are still 28 days until a decision must be made.
Patrick quoted two other sources who also offered hints into the thinking inside the 49ers' headquarters.
"Two teams who need quarterbacks both said they believe Mac Jones to the Niners is a done deal," Patrick said while quoting a different source.
The third source offered up some of his or her own insight to go along with what 49ers brass may be thinking.
"The Niners and Shanahan are the only ones who know, but I'm hearing that Trey Lance makes more sense with Jimmy G being a bridge quarterback this next year," Patrick read. "Shanahan prefers a more mobile quarterback. Regardless of what Mac Jones ran, he's not athletic outside the pocket. He's [an] accurate/timing/touch passer. But inside, there's discussions of Trey Lance or Mac Jones."
We'll find out for sure on April 29, when the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft begins and all of the speculation ends.
